Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is scheduled to visit India from October 7-9, marking an effort to reset and strengthen bilateral ties after a period of strained relations. His meetings with Indian leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are set for October 8, according to sources familiar with the matter.
First Bilateral Visit Since ‘India Out’ Campaign
This will be President Muizzu’s first official bilateral visit to India since taking office in November 2023, following a campaign centered on reducing Maldives’ dependence on India. His administration had earlier demanded the removal of around 85 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives to operate three aircraft, leading to a dip in bilateral ties. In December, his government terminated a 2019 agreement with India for joint hydrographic surveys and took steps to bolster defense cooperation with China and Turkey.
Signs of a Thaw in Relations
Recent months have shown signs of improvement in Maldives-India relations. After India replaced military personnel operating two helicopters and an aircraft with civilian experts, Muizzu was unexpectedly invited to Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June. There has been a clear effort to de-escalate tensions, with both sides looking to strengthen relations moving forward.
Jaishankar’s Visit and Cooperation Agreements
Following Muizzu’s June visit, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the Maldives in August. During this visit, both sides signed an agreement to introduce India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system in the Maldives and inaugurated several projects funded by Indian grants and loans. Muizzu referred to India as “one of the closest allies and invaluable partners” during his meeting with Jaishankar.
The Indian government has played a significant role in supporting the Maldives’ economy, helping the country avoid a potential default on its Islamic bond payments. The State Bank of India (SBI) extended its subscription to Maldivian government treasury bills worth $50 million for another year, after similar support provided earlier in May at the Maldivian government’s request.
Expert Opinion on Muizzu’s Pragmatic Approach
Security expert Sameer Patil from the Observer Research Foundation noted that Muizzu’s recent actions reflect a pragmatic shift in his approach toward India. Patil highlighted that despite initial anti-India sentiments, the Muizzu administration has made reconciliatory moves, recognizing the importance of maintaining strong ties with India in light of regional dynamics and the risks of over-reliance on China.
